Why does samghrma Bodhisattva appear in front of everyone in the image of Guan Gong?

When you visit the temples, you will see a Bodhisattva statue named Sangharama Bodhisattva, who resembles “Lord Guan Yu”, a legendary General in Chinese history. Let’s go to the Sangharama Bodhisattva Hall and listen to our master’s story.

Located to the southeast of the Grand Hall of the Jade Buddha Temple, the Sangharama Bodhisattva Hall enshrines the Great Guardian Sangharama Bodhisattva. Attired in a long robe, the sacred statue of the Bodhisattva looks majestic. The jujube red colour robe complements his braveness and the suit of armour showcases his awe-inspiring charisma.

You’ll see the Sangharama Bodhisattva stroking the beard with his right hand.

And through the vigorous eyes you’ll feel the heroic spirit, from which we can sense his natural power and prestige influence.

According to the book “The History of Buddhism and Biography of the Buddha”, emperors of various dynasties incarnate Lord Guan Yu as the symbol of loyalty and righteousness ever since the Sui and Tang Dynasty. All emperors take him as the model to lead the civilians to be patriotic and faithful to them.

Thus, the title of Lord Guan Yu has been canonized from “Nobleman” to “King”, from “King” to “Emperor”, from “Emperor” to “Saint”, and from “Saint” to “Divine”. Gradually Lord Guan Yu is regarded as the most typical God among the civil beliefs.

Together with Confucius, they are called the Two Saints, i.e. Intellectual Saint and Military Saint. His statue is often enshrined in both Buddhist and Taoist temples. As time goes by, the belief in Lord Guan Yu among the civilians as well as the government authorities grows prosperously.

At the early stage of Indian Buddhism, Sangharama Bodhisattva usually refers to those great kings who were guardians of Buddhism. The main representatives are Anathapindika (he who gives to needy), Princee Jeta and King Pasenadi. They are the Sangharama Bodhisattvas enshrined in early Buddhist temples.

After Buddhism is introduced into China and the story about Lord Guan Yu’s taking refuge in the Buddha becomes popular, Chinese people begins to take up Lord Guan Yu as the classic Sangharama Bodhisattva in Buddhist temples.

Now let’s wind up today’s program about Sangharama Bodhisattva. Make sure to watch our next program. Goodbye!